Even without the bright yellow livery, Cancellara's machine is still unique in that he's running a Domane model instead of the new Madone used by his teammates. Trek intends the Domane as its 'endurance' machine for the cobbled classics with dedicated features such as detuned handling, a much lower bottom bracket, and the unique IsoSpeed 'decoupler' pivot at the seat tube-top tube junction that allows for an extraordinary amount of saddle movement.

This year's Tour de France tarmac obviously won't match the brutality of Paris-Roubaix's cobblestones but since Cancellara was intimately involved with the development of the Domane and has spent much of the early season on it (he won Strade Bianche on one in early March), he's decided to stick with it for now. It's only marginally heavier than the Madone and virtually identical in terms of drivetrain efficiency so in reality, Cancellara isn't putting himself at an advantage regardless.

Consumers can purchase their own all-yellow Domane through Trek's Project One custom program but even then, it won't be quite the same chassis as what Cancellara rides. Team bikes feature special one-piece rear dropouts with non-replaceable derailleur hangers for improved shift accuracy and durability. Being a Radioshack-Nissan-Trek rider is also the only way to get a Domane with the lower, more aggressive 'pro-fit' front triangle, although Trek is obligated to release it to the public before the end of this calendar year.

Cancellara's mechanics, Roger Theel, has snuck in a few subtle go-fast tweaks, though, such as the aftermarket derailleur pulleys and bottom bracket that's installed without the normal supplemental outer rubber seals. Ceramic bearings of some sort are a virtual guarantee, too.

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